lack of turbo memory a deal-breaker in new T61?

[antelope]

I'm shopping for a new T61(p?) to do CAD type programs. AutoDesk "recommends" only XP Pro still, although Vista is supported. Since I rarely open the lid (docked 99% of time) I'd like to go with the 14" SXGA screen and I've found some loaded with XP Pro on some retail sites (obviously you can't get the 4:3 screen through Lenovo anymore).

Question: The specs don't specifically call out having the 1MB turbo memory. Should this be a deal-breaker? I realize it won't help me in XP but if I do convert to Vista (or its successor) should I be thinking about future-proofing?

Or, maybe I shouldn't worry about it since the likelihood of switching OS is minor?

Or, can I add the turbo memory later? Is this just a hole to fill if it doesn't come from the OEM?

Thanks.

[SHoTTa35]

simply put: NO.

Forget about Turbo Memory and move on. It only caused BSODs on Vista anyways so you aren't missing anything. The idea never panned out the way they intended and as of now it's basically worthless.

[antelope]

Great - thank you.

[gblittle]

I totally agree with "SHoTTa35", I have a new T61 with factory installed Turbo Memory, 4 gigs of ram (using 64-bit Vista). I have had random BSOD, and many more lately, since installing SP1. Finally took Turbo Memory out and problem solved. I cannot tell any difference what so ever in day to day use without Turbo Memory. Shutting down is faster without it and start up about the same. Think Turbo Memory sounds good on paper, but in real terms is a big failure.

[rhema83]

Skip Turbo Memory and spend the money on 4GB of RAM and a 7200 rpm HDD. I spent mine that way and manage to do 3D CAD on my X61 (not ideal, but still works).

[Oldguy]

AutoDesk "recommends" only XP Pro still, although Vista is supported.

That's not quite so, especially starting with AutoCAD 2008

See AutoCAD Interoperability with Microsoft Vista WhitePaper:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/it ... d=10361428


(For what this may be worth in your decission making)
JimL Oldguy

[Miller88]

What does turbo memory do anyway?

Is there a turbocharger and intercooler on the laptop's memory?

[antelope]

Oldguy - Thanks for that autodesk link - very helpful.

I oversimplified my original statement to Autodesk in general. More specifically, for Revit Architecture (i.e. the future for what I do as an architect) their 'recommended' system configurations only list XP Pro or XP Pro x64 as recommended OS, although it will run on Vista. Same with Autodesk VIZ (rendering). The Autodesk 3ds programs (also rendering) don't specify a preference for Vista versus XP Pro which makes me wonder if it just a matter of time with Revit as well. Hmmmm

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/in ... id=8479263